A53704:556
An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches.…
An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches. The first part with an answer to the discourse of the unreasonableness of separation written by Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, Dean of Pauls, and in defence of the vindication of non-conformists from the guilt of schism / by John Owen.An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches. The first part with an answer to the discourse of the unreasonableness of separation written by Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, Dean of Pauls, and in defence of the vindication of non-conformists from the guilt of schisme / by John Owen.
London: printed by J. Richardson for Nath. Ponder, 1681
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Chapter 11: Of Conformity and Communion in Parochial Assemblies.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3. There is not in them, (and therefore not in the Church of England, as unto its present Profession) a fixed Standard of Truth, or Rule of Faith to be professed, which every Believer may own, and have his Part or Interest therein. This I grant is not from the Original Constitution of the Church, nor from what is established by any Law therein, but from Persons who at present have the Declaration of its Profession committed unto them. But from what cause soever it be, it is sufficient to warrant any Man who takes care of his own Edification and Salvation, to use his own liberty in the choice of the most effectual Means unto those Ends. Wherefore some things may be added in the farther Explanation of this Consideration. As,
(1.) It is the Duty of every Church, to be the Ground and Pillar of Truth, to hold fast the form of wholesome Words, or to keep the Truth pure and uncorrupted, from all mixture of false Doctrines, Errors, Heresies, or the speaking of perverse things in it, unto the hurt of the Disciples of Christ. 1 Tim. 3.15. 2 Tim. 2.3. Acts 20.28, 29, 30. &c. When any Church ceaseth so to be, the Obligation unto Communion with it, is dissolved.
(2.) This is the principal End of the Ministry of the Church in particular. Ephes. 4.11, 13, 1 Tim. 6.20. And where those who possess and Exercise it do eminently